Thanks little paw

Dr still isn't concerned with my pain as it 6days out but he conscious of watching for esd. No swelling, color is good slight bruising around incision area, no temp changes. Tuesday I did start medrol 6 day steroid pack not sure I have noticed a difference though. Last surgery my swelling didn't start until I returned to work so I am going to take more time this go round.


He has given me permission to remov ex surgical shoe when I am sitting and do leg raises and gentle ankle flexes to feel moving.

I see pain doc wed and then surgeon right after for hopeful stitches removed.

Thanks for well wishes.

Also got anxiety med to start thus morning for a month or do to try take edge off the worrying.

Finally slept well last night too.

hope you start to feel better soon goblue. i am sending healing thoughts and prayers your way.

Still not doing well. This morning was s little better but this afternoon and evening lots of throbbing in toes big one feels numb pins and needles and still burning in foot. Feels swollen but wrapped up i csnt see anything but toes snd heal which look normsl. Frustrating docs say all normal but doesn't feel normal. I have seen so many docs I cant imagine starting again especially this soon after surgery. I see pain doc wed morning and surgeon after. I might try demand nerve block. I font think my pain doc does ketamine nor do I think anyone would do it with no confirmed red/crps diagnosis.

Hi GoBlue,

You're still just 8 days post op. It is too soon to think about seeing anyone else. You're not even through the 2-3weeks needed for your incision to close. Afternoons and evenings are going to be the hardest for a while yet. Post-op Swelling accumulates throughout the day and is normal at this stage. It will cause an increase in discomfort.The fact that you are doing better in the morning is a good sign even if it doesn't feel so.

Is movement okay? toe wiggling, etc.? Are you allowed to do bandage changes yourself at this stage? I was allowed to and just being able to see it for those moments before wrapping back up gave me a lot of info about color and appearance in general. I could also adjust the ACE so it was just right.

Ketamine is given for more than just CRPS... Neuropathic pain in general, post herpetic neuralgia and even back pain. I wouldn't write off the chance of getting it.

Hang in there. This will take longer than you want it to.

Sending more hugs,

If you want to pursue the ketamine this PM is giving it for multiple indications and says protocol is tailored to patient need. Might be a Phoenix option besides Freedom Hospital. I don't know if they do less frequent protocol or not. seems like in-office would be cheaper. My infusions are $300 each.

maybe your PM could refer you over if your neuropathic pain symptoms don't improve? I got started quick and easy even without referral. I thought I would have to beg and plead to get ketamine but my doc had no problem trying it to see if it helped.

Dr. Mark Murphy, website is KetamineRecoverySolutions.com.
I can't post a link on my iPad, sorry. I get logged out when I try.

Thanks for all the info little paw. Last night I noticed increased swelling in big toe anders thing I popped a stitch or so have app this afternoon to get checked again.

I have gone to freedom pain website and will contact them in a couple of weeks if things don't improve. I was thinking this surgery was going to be a breeze any it hasn't so I have to keep reminding myself he had chip bine to get screw out. Hopefully next week I can start bearing weight which I think can helo. I can only do leg lifts and ankle pumps might have righted toe wiggles yesterday which my guess is why stitch broke oops. Had to do nothing for so long I can move from couch to chair and vice versa.

Thanks for all the support on this site it is such a blessing beigableto talk with others going thru similar issues.

hope you start feeling better soon go blue. sending healing thoughts and gentle hugs your way.

Thank you both for your he as long thoughts and words of encouragement. Hanging in there. Saw surgeon again yesterday he still thinks everything is good very little swelling so bruising took stitches out and wants me to be a little more activate. Some walking on heel in surgical shoe, minor exercises leg lifts, toe wiggle and ankle pumps. I see pain doc tomorrow to get his thoughts. I am still concerned.

Unfortunately my pain and down mood are affecting my daughter who is 8 she broke down in school yesterday that mommy is crying and in pain. I try to hide it from here but sometimes I cant.

My husband is being supportive but of course doesn't totally understand. My mom is also being very supportive but she is across the country unfortunately. It is hard enough together family to understand even more difficult for friends. My boss is also very supportive which is great. I don't have a return to work date yet hopefully at least part time in a few weeks. Need to occupy my mind. Still really tired so reading us difficult but that is only think that keeps my mind free of the negativity.

Again I appreciate all the advice and support. Healing thoughts to you as well.

Hi GoBlue,

Thanks for the update. Honestly, from the outside it sounds like you are doing well. Doing the toe wiggles, ankle pumps and leg lifts . That sounds really positive. You have to put this in perspective. You just had your foot cut open and some bone chipped out and metal pried outta there. Geez! Cut yourself a break then get your Tiger/Bear mother mojo on. Gotta keep it together for the kid!
Find a time out spot for crying if needed. Mine was in a walk in closet off the master...

Things may calm a little more now with the stitches out. Those things can be really aggravating and cause quite a bit of discomfort. When you hit three weeks and your incision is closed really solid maybe start getting in the pool. It will feel wondermous and help with swelling.

In the meantime, speaking as one who always feels better having planned for every possible disaster, maybe make some phone calls to the Freedom Pain Hospital and the ketamine doc I sent you. Just get info and a heads up on what it takes to get in and get started. If you feel really anxious go ahead and make an appointment for a couple weeks out. You can always cancel or reschedule it. This may help you just in knowing there is a safety net if things don't calm down (which they probably will) I know for myself, I like having an action plan in place even if I never have to use it.

Hang in there Mom, your cub needs you strong. You can do this, I promise.

Sending warrior fierceness and a few bear hugs,

One more thing...

You said you need to keep your mind occupied. I remember when my pain and anxiety were really high I needed this too. It can be so hard to concentrate at those times. What I came up with that I could do at any time in spite of any pain or disability was pray for others. There are plenty in the world that need your positive and healing thoughts. Take some time focusing on them, on people and animals and places that could use healing and send it to them. Pray for your daughters well-being. It will re-focus your mind and calm you. You will be doing something positive and beneficial. Make it regular, a couple of set times a day. I found a deep peace when I started that practice.